The Seattle Seahawks have drafted Byron Murphy II, a Texas native who harbored childhood dreams not of the Lone Star state's Cowboys or Texans, but of the emerald and blue, according to Seahawks.com. The University of Texas standout, and now newly-minted Seahawk, was swept up with emotion as he fielded questions on Thursday, confessing his long-time fandom for the squad that once boasted the Legion of Boom, made evident in a conference call with Seahawks media.
Murphy's infatuation with the Seahawks runs deep, dating back to the heady days of the Super Bowl XLVIII champs — a time when names like Wilson, Chancellor, and Lynch were Seattle household demigods. "Just how goated they were. Just watching them growing up, they dominated the league and won a Super Bowl," Murphy told reporters.
Manifestly, the Seahawks see more in Murphy than mere nostalgic value. As a critical addition to their defensive lineup, Murphy comes on the heels of a college career at Texas, where his pass rush win rate and pressure on quarterbacks ranked him at the top of Pro Football Focus metrics. His collegiate acumen, which includes accolades such as All-Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and Second-Team All-American, has painted him as a transformative force on the gridiron — a player capable of stopping the run and rushing the passer with what he describes as a very aggressive play style, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
The Seahawks, a team in quest of reclaiming former glories anchored by a stingy defense, have plucked a gem hoping Murphy can anchor their own modern-day Legion. Joining a defense with emerging talents such as Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, Murphy will be tasked with shoring up a front that has struggled in recent seasons — a challenge the 21-year-old is eager to meet. "When I got that call, I was happy and excited," Murphy said. "It was like a dream come true. I’m blessed and I’m ready to be a Seattle Seahawk,” according to KOMO News.
